Activities for the Autumn

Where to, from here?

The days are getting shorter, the sun is out but it just isn't that warm any more but the holidays aren't quite over yet.
For October and November there are decidedly less activities available than there were over the summer, logical really, it's between seasons now, that brief lull in time before winter and the skiers take over the hills. So here is a short round up for the months of October and November.

BEATENBERG
October 1st - the last entertainment of the summer for us, the last of a long summer for the farmers, and  a last long walk for the cows. Alpabzug, Beatenberg, from 2pm at Hotel Regina. The cows come home in style, wearing wonderfully decorated head dresses and escorted by their owners. The Alpabzug is one of the great traditions of Switzerland.
From Interlaken West (railway station) post buses depart hourly in direction of Beatenberg (Waldegg Hohwald). That journey takes approximately 20 min.

15.10: The Cow Show - choose the prettiest of them all, 10am, at "Wydi".

 INTERLAKEN

Not to be outdone by the Alpabzug, Interlaken has it's own traditions on offer.

October

08.10: Cabbage Market, Zentrum Artos, 10am to 4pm. And you thought cabbages were all green? Think again... Annual cabbage market, with Swiss accordion music. 

15.10: Although they probably won't serve cabbage soup, they might just kill with colanders. It is dinner crime night at the Hotel Metropole, "Auch Senioren Morden", four course dinner with wine, and thrilling theatre accompaniment. CHF 135.- per person, more information and reservations at: www.metropole-interlaken.ch.

November

18.11.: Market Day. 80 market stands, selling everything you might want, or don't know you want, yet...wood carvings, leather goods and textiles, plus a wide variety of alpine cheese, honey and preserves. 

20.11.: Alstadt Unterseen Advent Market: the first of many early Christmas markets in the Oberland, invitingly pretty in the old town centre, this market holds interesting treasures and is certainly worth exploring!

Daily and Weekly Events, Interlaken, October and November 

The Flying Wheels e-bike guided tours will continue until the end of October , daily from 5.30pm-7pm: 

Explore Interlaken

Aperitif tour to the Lake of Thun

Sunset dinner tour to "Burgseeli". 

Contact Flying Wheels at Höheweg 133, Interlaken for more information and reservations.

The Schuh Chocolate Show continues regardless of the weather or the season, if you haven't seen it, then you probably should. Grand Restaurant Schuh, Höheweg 56, Interlaken, at 5pm and at 6pm, costs CHF 14.80 which includes a CHF 10.- chocolate voucher.

WILDERSWIL

This little town which everyone passes through going to the mountains, or changes trains at, to go to Schynige Platte, deserves more than the few minutes tourists give to it. The fall weather is perfect for exploring this very Swiss village and there is no lack of things to do.

Daily Activities, October and November:

Visit a Barn: Over 200 farms in Switzerland have opened their doors to visitors, and the farm of Alice and Hans Pfäffli (Rugenstrasse 29, Wilderswil) is one of them. Visit them at milking time around 5.15pm and see what it takes to run a farm!

The Art of Old Handicraft: In the Atelier Holzkristall (Bärenplatz, Wilderswil) you can try your hand at this interesting, old handicraft. You can create your own necklace or grind one of the stones you found while out walking, and see what it reveals. www.holzkristall.ch can tell you more. 

At the railway station in Wilderswil pick up one of the walking tour brochures - don't miss the lovely water mill at the heart of the old town, the picturesque town square or the beautiful wooden bridge and medieval church.

BÖNIGEN

Another town saddled on to the end of Interlaken, it is also worth a visit, mainly for it's interesting village museum. The theme this year is "Wood" with an emphasis on wood carving and crafts. 

Interlakenstrasse 2, Bönigen, open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 2pm to 5pm, additional opening hours on Thursday from 7pm to 9pm and on Sunday the 2nd and the 23rd of October, from 2pm to 5pm.

Every Tuesday there is a guided village walk of Bönigen, learn about the beautiful carved wooden houses, the historical buildings, the town traditions and the history of this 16th century town. 

Meeting point is Tourist Information Bönigen, 9.30am. Free of charge.

The tour is also possible in November, but only by prior reservation.

BRIENZ

October:

The Fekkers Market continues in Brienz until the 2nd of October, highlighting the culture of the Travellers. An unusual market and certainly worth a visit.

For the boys in all of us, what better way to enjoy the Swiss Alps than two days of Army shooting and Air Force shows at Axalp? October 12th and 13th, Axalp-Ebenfluh.Take a look at: 

http://www.sentiero.ch/en72_axalp_swiss-air-force.htm for more information.

November:

5.11. Night of Art in Brienz. 2pm, Depot Brienz Rothorn Bahn, cinema Brienz and Ed.Jobin.AG. A platform to promote local artists of Brienz and the region, festivities and exhibitions continue until midnight.

9.11-10.11.: A tradition since 1626, the village festival and market days.

16.11.-27.11.: Brienzer Christmas Market: the focus is more on hand made articles and is worth the visit!

She came home...cow with head dress,  Wilderswil

As soon as the snow falls, I shall be back....